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5 Reasons to Become a Certified Healthcare Manager – 1/9/2013

You have worked hard as a healthcare management professional to get where you are in the healthcare industry today, but are you ready to take your career to the next level?

Certification, which in itself is voluntary, can give you the competitive edge you need to advance your career. You may have years of experience in healthcare management but in reality, you may also be struggling to see past the horizon as you course through your career. You may be making decisions about your career based on what you know now in hopes that they are enough to adequately prepare you for any conditions that may lie ahead. By earning a healthcare management certificate it will help to ensure a successful career voyage. With certification, not only will you have the knowledge and skills needed to get ahead, but it will also confirm your expertise as a healthcare professional with strong leadership skills. Moreover, it will give you the confidence, connections, and the resources that will help you succeed. Below are five reasons why you should become certified.

1. Receive professional recognition

Obtaining a certificate means more than having a few letters after your name in that it holds a tremendous amount of value for yourself and those in the industry. By achieving Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE) through the board certification program, you will gain recognition from your colleagues as well as employers because it will show that you possess the proper knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel as a strong leader in the industry. Furthermore, certification poses as a reaffirmation of your dedication and commitment to your profession.

2. Increase the odds of getting hired

Employers desire candidates who are certified because they gain security knowing that you will be able to make the right decisions based on your expertise, advanced knowledge, and experience. Certification increases your credibility as a healthcare manager and can connect you to more job opportunities.

3. Higher Salary

One of the greatest advantages and benefits of earning a credential is that it often correlates with higher pay. According to a Management Compensation Survey: 2012 Report Based on 2011 Data, members and fellows who received their certifications earned more than non-certified counterparts. In 2010, an survey indicated that office managers, senior managers, and executives earned more as well. The survey revealed that office managers who were MGMA members earned $13,272 more a year while finance directors earned $942 more per year. The biggest hikes in salary were CFOs who earned $59,328 more compared with their non-affiliated counterparts.

4. Access to exclusive information

As being part of a certification program and a member of the ACHE, you will receive exclusive information through an abundant amount of resources. You will be able to access these resources online, anywhere at any time even while using your mobile devices. These exclusive resources range from premier professional publications magazines, e-newsletters, e-mail alerts, and thought-leadership articles. Moreover, you will receive exclusive web content and benchmarking tools with more than 100 online tools, assessments, and checklists, along with discounts on industry leading survey and benchmark reports. In addition, you will be provided with the opportunity to become part of an online member community where you can participate in discussion forums, and connect with fellow members online to gain support and knowledge towards the success of your career.

5. Expand your networking connections

By earning your certification, not only will you be able to network through an online community, you will also have the opportunity to attend annual conference events and take continuing education credit courses. These events are invaluable as they give you an opportunity to meet with other experienced healthcare management professionals, keep up with the latest industry trends, and enhance your overall professional development.